Negativity affects our perception of the world and our collective belief in several ways: ​

Gravitational pull: Negativity has a gravitational pull that is highly seductive. ​ This means that negative news tends to capture our attention more than positive news. ​ This can lead to a skewed perception of the world, as positive developments and acts of kindness often receive scant attention compared to negative incidents.

Negative bias: Psychologists refer to our tendency to focus on negativity as "negative bias." ​ Our brains produce a more substantial electrical charge when exposed to negativity compared to positivity. ​ This bias is rooted in our evolutionary survival mechanism, as it makes sense to keep a close watch on potentially harmful events. ​ However, this bias can distort our perception of the world and lead us to believe that things are always getting worse. ​

Emotional boosts: Negativity can provide us with emotional boosts. ​ Seeing someone else's misfortune or shame can make us feel better about our own lives. ​ It can also make us feel self-righteous and self-satisfied. ​ This can lead to a sense of superiority and a certification of our own beliefs.

Confirmation bias: Negativity can also contribute to confirmation bias, where we seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs. If we believe that the world is dreadful, negative news can serve as proof of our beliefs. This can further reinforce our negative perception of the world. ​

Distorted perception: Focusing solely on negativity gives us a distorted perception of the world. ​ We may overlook the many caring, kind, and open-hearted individuals and organizations that exist. This can lead to a lack of balance in our understanding of the world and blind us to the positive aspects of humanity.

In summary, negativity can significantly impact our perception of the world and our collective belief. ​ It can skew our understanding of reality, reinforce negative biases, and prevent us from recognizing the abundance of positivity and kindness that exists. It is important to actively seek out positive stories and promote a more balanced dialogue and perspective. ​